TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Deleted member 38167]

Applied to DLA a week ago for their summer internship and still haven't gotten the WG but I have a strong 2:1 from a top Russell group and I thought my answers were good.. is that PFO then

DLA is one of the few firms that stand by the statement, "It doesn't matter which university you attend. AG is going this way also, having told its internal applicants they really look at grades anymore as long as you pass and perform well in role and they are looking to roll this externally shortly. In terms of your answers were they personalised or where they a bit generic, don't mean to cause any offense its just that those that got the VS were a tad bit more personalised in previous years, having spoken to grade recruit and partners

 

[elizabethkate]

Yes I had one!

after what stage?

 

[Bbhu19]

I sent an email asking for it, but never got a reply... sent it oct 10... Although last year they sent it the next day so they might've change policies...

got mine Like 10 days after I asjed

 

[legal18]

Gave up halfway through the Macfarlanes second stage 😭 started spewing nonsense

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Gave up halfway through the Macfarlanes second stage 😭 started spewing nonsense

lol, is this the simulate?

 

[legal18]

lol, is this the simulate?

Yes, I was finding it kind of fun until the video questions

 

[flower1]

Hello, in a video interview - if the question is challenges facing law firms, do we need to explain this but then also provide a solution that the firm can do to overcome this?

Thank you

 

[YS391]

Another year passes and expecting a Reed smith pfo after the test...
The vi was good though💀💀💀

Hey, if u dont mind me asking, what were ur scores like? I just completed my test!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Anyone who attended the Latham open day today want to share some notes?

 

[Snickerdoodlesolicitor]

Hey, if u dont mind me asking, what were ur scores like? I just completed my test!

I just completed mine too! It was horrible (((

 

[YS391]

I just completed mine too! It was horrible (((

Im sorry to hear that. I feel like some of the SJT questions were really hard this year (especially at the start)

Mine were okay but thought I woulda got higher. I got 7 Grit, 6 Applied Intellect, 4 creative force, and 9 digital mindset. And high/high for numerical and verbal.

What were ur scores like?

 

[ninarosee]

Does anyone know what DLA Piper’s stages are this year and whether the next stage is automatic?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

The assessment centres were this week

How do you know this?

 

[YS391]

Anyone heard from Dentons post-app for their London Spring vac scheme?

 

[Pola123]

Hi there, has anyone here completed the Simmons online test + video interview ?

 

[zxkwok]

has anyone heard of Hogan Lovells post Job Sim? Any AC invites?

Hi, was wondering if the video responses have a limited preparation time? If so, how long is it?

 

[zxkwok]

Hi, does anyone know the Winter Vac scheme assessment centre dates for Hogan Lovells?

Hi was wondering if the VI had limited preparation time, and if so, how long was it?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu ,

On the “Why you” question, what would you say are the three to five most important qualities or personal skills to highlight that can be supported by my own experiences or extracurricular activities and then linked back to the firm?

Thank you

Hi!

I think this really depends on the qualities and skills that you can genuinely support with your own experiences. Rather than trying to fit a generic list, it’s best to look at the skills and values that the firm emphasises on its website and trainee profiles and then reflect on which of those are evident in your past experiences or extra-curriculars.

For example, if the firm highlights teamwork and commercial awareness, you could link this to a time you worked on a group project or taken part in a competition that required you to think commercially.

By approaching it this way, you’re ensuring that your answer is personal to you and tailored to what the firm is looking for.

I hope that assists

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

regarding accommodation for vac schemes, if the firm has not stated that they provide accommodation on their website, is it still ok to ask if this is something that can be discussed?

Hello!

Yes, I’d say it’s definitely acceptable to ask! I completed a vacation scheme last cycle that did not explicitly state they covered accommodation - however, when I emailed to ask for accommodation recommendations, they offered to contribute towards it.

Some firms will say no, but it is definitely worth asking

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, in a video interview - if the question is challenges facing law firms, do we need to explain this but then also provide a solution that the firm can do to overcome this?

Thank you

Hello!

Great question! You don’t have to go into a full solution, but it can be good to briefly mention at the end of your answer how firms might respond to or manage that challenge. It shows that you’re thinking proactively rather than just identifying the problems!

For example, if you talk about increasing competition in the legal market, you could finish by noting that firms are investing more in innovation or client relationships in order to stay ahead. It doesn’t need to be detailed - just a short point to show commercial awareness.

I hope that helps!